title: Patient-perceived changes in the system of values after cancer diagnosis.
abstract: A cross-sectional study investigated changes in patients' value systems following a diagnosis of cancer. Fifty patients at 1 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis, were asked to compare their current values with their recollection of past values. Using the Rokeach Value Survey we obtained statistically significant results showing that twenty-seven out of thirty-six values changed their importance from the patients' perspective: 16 values significantly increased, while 11 values significantly decreased in importance. Changes with respect to nine values were insignificant. We indentified clusters of values increasing in importance the most: Religious morality (Salvation, Forgiving, Helpful, Clean), Personal orientation (Self-Respect, True Friendship, Happiness), Self-constriction (Self-Controlled, Obedient, Honest), Family security (Family Security, Responsible), and Delayed gratification (Wisdom, Inner Harmony). We also observed that the following value clusters decreased in importance: Immediate gratification (An Exciting Life, Pleasure, A Comfortable Life); Self-expansion (Capable, Ambitious, Broadminded), Competence (A Sense of Accomplishment, Imaginative, Intellectual). The remaining values belonged to clusters that as a group changed slightly or not at all. Practical implications of the study are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Helena Chodkowska University of Management and Law, Warsaw, Poland. ela.greszta@gmail.com
authors.forename: Elżbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Greszta
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Siemińska
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009014:Morals; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D012927:Social Control, Informal; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012945:Social Values